GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS Each of the 15 main islands of the Galápagos offers extraordinary landscapes and a rich abundance of wildlife , including sea lions , iguanas , giant tortoises , blue-footed boobies and penguins . I ’ d love to immerse myself in this natural wonderland and have the chance to experience stunning wildlife you simply can ’ t see anywhere else .

THAILAND Thailand is blessed with the most seductive of physical and spiritual attributes — it boasts everything from misty mountains and idyllic islands to mouthwatering cuisine . However , what attracts me most is the chance to go canoeing in Ao Phang Nga National Park , with its amazing limestone tower karst islands .

// Joanne Schimelman

Joanne has been in the cruise industry for more than 27 years and joined Royal Caribbean International in 2008 . Outside travel , she ’ s involved in fundraising efforts for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society , as well as Children ’ s Healthcare of Atlanta . Joanne also serves on the board of directors for The Child ’ s Legacy , and has led numerous fundraising efforts to support the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida . She lives in Atlanta , Georgia , with her husband and 15-year-old son .

AUSTRALIA Vast , rugged and remote , Australia teems with life . Isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years , nearly 90 % of all plant and animal life here is unique — such as the koala and kangaroo , for example . Aside from seeing curious creatures , I ’ d love to go wine-tasting in the internationally acclaimed Yarra and Barossa valleys .

FIJI The South Pacific is the place to visit for some serious relaxation , but there ’ s more to Fiji ’ s 300-plus islands than soaking up the sun . Nadi is home to the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere , while the landscaped Garden of the Sleeping Giant houses more than 2,000 types of orchids .

TUSCANY Vineyards and olive groves are the hallmarks of Tuscany , together with quaint hilltop towns , frescoed churches , coastal retreats and displays of pageantry . A dream vacation for me would be biking through the rolling countryside , hopefully burning off enough calories to enjoy all the gorgeous food and incredible wine !

MALDIVES The Maldives is most people ’ s idea of paradise . Tempted by idyllic beaches , couples return year after year to relax and get away from it all . From the moment you board a speedboat or seaplane to your island hotel , it ’ s clear the Maldives is something and somewhere very special .

images : awl images

58 // pos t c a rds